Forrester was stretchered off against Bristol in April 2007 (Getty)

Gloucester number eight James Forrester is set to miss the play-offs to recover from a knee injury he picked up over 12 months ago against Bristol.

Head coach Dean Ryan had registered him for the later stages of the Heineken Cup, but has decided not to risk Forrester in the Premiership climax.

"We didn't know what shape we would arrive here in and who might be injured," Ryan told BBC Radio Gloucs.

"But where we are at the moment is around Gareth Delve and Luke Narraway."

"Jango (Forrester) now needs a strong off season. He knows that and he needs to get away and work ready for September."